Tool for applying clamping bands



May 10, 1960 Filed 001;. 51, 1958 H. J. MURPHY TOOL FOR APPLYING CLAMPING BANDS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 10, 1960 H. J. MURPHY TOOL FOR APPLYING CLAMPING BANDS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 31, 1958 May 10, 1960 H. J. MURPHY TOOL FOR APPLYING CLAMPING BANDS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed (kit. 51. 1958 7 2,935,907 TOOL FOR APPLYING CLAMPING BANDS Howard J. Murphy, North Wilmington, Mass, assignor to United-Carr Fastener Corporation, Cambridge, Mass, a corporation of Delaware Application October 31, 1958, Serial No. 771,140

Claims. (Cl. 81-9-3) This invention relates to a tool for applying clamping bands such, for example, as that shown in my application Serial No. 606,096 filed August 24, 1956, and the object is to provide a wieldy tool, conveniently one to be operated by a single hand, which may be used in tight places and will effect the constriction or tightening of the band about the work, and immediately thereafter operating to lock the ends of the band together, both actions occurring as a part of a substantially single operatingstroke, without requiring readjustment or repositioning of the tool. The band will usually be what is called a hose clamp for securing the end of a flexible hose to a spigot or like fitting, over which the end is telescoped.

This application is a continuation in part of my applications Serial No. 606,096 filed August 24, 1956, and

SeriaLNo. 625,461 filed November 30, 1956, bothapplicat-ions now abandoned.

The invention will be well understood by referencetothe following description of a preferred illustrativeernbodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawings,

wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view ofone form of clamp as it would appear when applied about the end of a hose,

but before constriction or locking; g

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same with parts developed in a plane. It does not represent a blank. Although the clamp might be supplied to the user in this form, it would usually be coiled and bent into the circular form similar to Fig. l, the ends would be separated for placingit in position and then again placed in the position of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 showing a modified form of clamp adapted for work of IQlfitlVfilY small diameter;

'Fig. 4 is a view of the clamp of Fig. 3 developed in aplane; I 1 p Fig. 5 is an elevation of the tool applied to a clamp for constricting it onthe hose (which is shown in section), parts being broken away;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of one of the head levers of the tool, the pointof view being from a central vertical plane of Fig. 5 looking toward the left;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the head levers looking from the right of Fig. 5; r

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show successive steps in the constr1ction and locking of the clamp; I

Figs. l1, l2 and 13 are figures corresponding approximately to Figs. 8, 9 and 10-, showing the tool operating on the band shown in Figs. 3 and 4; and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the interlock of the applied band of Figs. 3 and 4 taken on a plane just at the nearer side ofthe tongue 17 on a larger scale than Fig. 13.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, I there show a band 15 of the type described in my application 606,096 above referred to and embodying a strip of metal having at one end anarrow projecting tongue 17 of considerable length and rearwardly of the tongue an abutment 19 consisting fundamental importance Patented May 10, 1960 of a struck-up portion of the metal which can be engaged by a tool for exerting tension on the band at this end. The opposite end of the band has a large opening 21 to receive with ample clearance the tongue and defining two side arms 23 joined at their ends by a terminal crossbar 25. In the figmres the opening 21 extends almost to the center of the band, but this is not necessary. However, it is of considerable extent rearward of the crossbar as distinguished from a mere narrow slit to pass the tongue. In Fig. 1 this end of the band is bent over in the form of a rearwardly facing hook which is formed by the two spaced side arms and therefore'open at its bot- '1 and 2 are modified :by the afiix letter and the construction is essentially the same except that the side arms 23a and the crossbar 24a connecting their ends are not bent backwardly as a book. In practice, before it is tightened and clamped, and when the band is merely bent by fingerpressure to the work preliminary to constriction and tightening, this end of the band will ordinarily present itself tangentially to the circle of the work and the inward side of the opening toward the work will be exposed beyond the circumference of the work and facing tothe left viewing Figs. 3 and 1, to receive the tongue in much the same manner as the opening which ooin the modification. of Figs. 1 and 2.

Features-shown in Figs. 3 and 4 which are not of ,cupies the base of the hook between its side members the opening is retained as an ear 29a bent over on the cross arm to provide an edge of double thickness about which the tongue is folded when the parts are locked, thus making a smoother curve, preventing too sharp a bend of the material of the tongue. Similar features might be embodied in the structure of Figs. 1 and 2.

The tool shown is a one-hand tool of the crossed lever type comprising a main pivot 31 on which are pivoted the two crossed levers defining handles at the proximal end of the tool which are broken away in the figures, and

head-levers carrying head levers at the distal end, the suitable jaws for engaging the work. In'the tool illustrated the length of the handle levers was approximately ther from the user or, in the case of the head levers,

nearer or further from the main pivot.

In viewing Figs. 5-12 it should be recalled that in a sense there is no fixed center and any of the centers referred to may be considered fixed and the relative motion thus observed. The ends of the head levers and any points thereon which engage the work in closing tend to move in an arc convex to the work. They are originally applied to the extremities of a chord and obviously are, not pushed through the work along that chord, but move along the circumference (not necessarily in equal amounts) to the extremities of a smaller chord. The

parts of the band which are gripped thus move through a path convex outwardly from the work and opposite to the curvature of the path of the jaws. The tool is presented to the work'andheld by the user and pressure is xa a tq atitl aw k .1. t h re, 11 s a a.

I are that the middle of the cross bar 25a is oifset at 27a in a position opposite the tongue to receive the tongue when the parts are locked together; and provide a smoother surface presented to the work.

Also a portion of the metal which is cut out to form 3 not alter the gross position of the tool, but automatically will respond to the requirements of the action. Thus the pressure toward the work may be slightly, although unconsciously, relaxed during the operation. The users hands may even move slightly backwards.

I shall next describe in detail the tool shown in the drawings and then explain how it operates. Herein the left-hand head lever is in the form of a loop 37 with a terminal cross member 39 centrally located, the edge of which forms a jaw for engaging the abutment at the rear of the tongue of the clamp.

The end of the right-hand head lever is bifurcated and pivoted to each arm 41 on pivots 43 two laterally spaced rockers (to which no single numeral is applied as it would be confused with numerals to be applied to their parts and since the elements referred to are easily located by reference to the pivots). There is no through pivot shaft, the space between the two rockers being unobstructed at that point. Slots 45 in the proximal portions of the rockers receive pins 4-7 extending from the arms 41 of the head lever to limit the rocking movement. A crossbar 48 extends between the rockers at an outer and proximal location. The edges of the rockers facing the left-hand have gripping surfaces 49 substantially concentric with the pivotal centers 43. Proximally of these surfaces 49 the edges are extended toward the left and define'a shoulder 51. The other ends of the gripping surfaces 49 merge into distally extending surfaces 53 of extended length eccentric to the pivot, terminating in a rounded nose 55 and joined by a cross member 57 spanning the space between them and located rearwardly and distally of the pivot.

The left-hand lever has, on the sides of loop 39 and opposite the surfaces .of the rockers, proximal to shoulders 51, projections 59 extending inwardly,-which projections as the two levers' rnove to the closed position engage the said surfaces of the rockers and move the rockers clockwise viewing the figures. See more particularly Figs. 12 and 13 where the action is clearly shown.

, In Figs. 5, and 8-13 the work is shown in section as a hose h telescoped on a spigot s. v 7

When the band is loosely bent about the work and the tongue 17 entered through the opening 19, the tongue will extend out approximately tangentially. The tool is applied to the work so that the tongue points to the space distal to the crossbar 57. The jaw 39 of the lefthand head lever is engaged with the abutment 19 rearward of the tongue and the gripping surfaces 49 are presented to the concave of the hook defined by side arms 23'. Fig. represents the tool as thus applied and after being closed just enough to permit starting the actual tightening operation. At this point the shoulders 51' may little actual movement of the right-hand head lever.

cam in pressing down the bent hook, and that the crossbar 57 is also moved down toward the center of the work to finish turning down the tongue. The side arms 23 of the hook have straightened out, the formerly concave interior surfaces thereof now being exposed radially outward of the hose h and the bent tongue 17 embraces crossbar 25. 7

While for the best results particularly for clamps of relatively great diameter the ends should be hooked as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, it has been found that for small clamps suitable for hose ofto inches internal diameter, a band as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 may be used.

The exact action here is difficult to observe and it may be sufficient to report empirically that it is possible to operate in a manner illustrated in Figs. ll, 12 and 13 which are analagous to Figs. 8, 9 and 10. In this case the opening 21a will receive the tongue =17a which will project therebeyond substantially tangentially to the work when the band is temporarily positioned on the hose and likewise the other end of the band embodying the side arms 23a and the connecting bar 25a will project approximately tangentially. The tool is applied as before, and a figure similar to Fig. 5 is not considered necessary with the tongue extending into the open space between the rockers proximal to the crossbar '57, that is above the same viewing the figures. gage the arms 23a at the sides of the opening 21a and in practice do not slip thereover, perhaps because the arms extend uphill. Perhaps the constricting action here is chiefly the projection of the tongue through the opening by the action of the left-hand head lever with relatively As before, after constriction is attained, a resistance is encountered. So long as the tool is held up to the work the gripping surfaces could not escape over the tangentially extending right-hand end of the band. However,

the metal then begins to yield and thetool tends to bend l to iron them down.

engage the point ofthe hook and the first tightening.

pressure may be exerted on that point, but this. will tend to rock the rockers clockwise and the gripping surfaces 49 will enter the hook and seat on the arms thereof lateral to the crossbar 25. Pressure is then exerted and constriction occurs, the parts moving to the position of Fig. 8 and the tongue 17 being projected toward the right between the two rockers and proximally of the crowbar 59, that is, above the same viewing Fig. 7. We may consider that Fig. 8 shows the band completely constricted. As pressure by the tool is continued the hook will straighten out and the rockers will tend to ride over the same with the surfaces 53 acting in the manner of a flatiron to bend down and smooth out the end of the band. At the same time the crossbar 57 is moved up beneath the tongue viewing the figures and as the rockers move to the left it will engage the tongue, bend it over .the crossbar 25 of theband and ride on the top of the same, clinching itdown to the position shown in Fig. 10. During this closing movement it will be down this projecting end. pressure-exerted on the handles of the tool tends to move the rockers clockwise so that the eccentric extensions 53 of the surfaces 49 ride on the underlying parts and start At about this time, as shown in Fig. 12, the surfaces 59 of the left-hand head lever will engage the opposed surfaces of the rockers and move the" will move under thelsarne and turn it over and down into locking position of'Fig; l3.

Referring to Fig. 14 the bent tongue 17a embraces the crossbar 25a and where the tongue underlies the crossbar it is, in the example shown, received in the offset 27a of the crossbar between the side arms 25a. The rebent portion of the tongue overlies the ear 29a which provides a double thickness of metal about which the tongue is bent avoiding a too localized bend in the tongue which might cause cracking. 7

It will be seen that in the operation the operator applies the tool to the work in an open position and then simply brings the handles closer together with a forcewhi'chhe can easily exert with two hands. When the band has been tightened to the desired amount as dictated'by its' construction and size which is suitable for the work, the parts yield structurally. A tight constriction has been effected without any act of choice or judgment of the operator, and as he continues their motion in the same direction and without any relaxation of the tension presentembodiment to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, as is in fact clear in several" matters from'the description itself. Reference is tobe The gripper surfaces 53 en-' lf slipping tends to occur the had to the appended claims to indicate those principles of the invention exemplified by the particular embodiment described and which I'desire to secure by Letters Patent.

I claim:

1. A tool for constricting and then locking a band clamp which has near one end an opening defining side arms anda terminal crossbar joining those arms and at the other end a tongue to pass through said opening and, after constriction of the band, to be bent down over the crossbar and further having an abutment located rearwardly of the tongue; said tool having relatively movable head members, the first having distally thereof a jaw for engaging said abutment, the second head member having a pair of laterally spaced inwardly presented gripping surfaces for engaging the arms to apply pressure thereto toward said abutment on approximation of the head members and the second member also having located in the space between said surfaces a tongue-engaging transverse bar the respectively inwardly and proximally directed sides of which are respectively rearward of and, relative to the path of movement of the gripping surfaces, distal to the corresponding portions of those surfaces and providing an unobstructed clearance space through which the unbent tongue, when the gripping surfaces are applied to the side arms, may extend proximally of the bar with the bar passing under the tongue to engage and fold the same down over the crossbar of the clamp when the gripping surfaces have advanced along the arms on completion of their constricting action.

2. A tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said gripping surfaces are convex, at least at their sides which are presented inwardly, to fit, when the arms and crossbar of the band are recurved as a hook, within said hook during the constricting action and on continued pressure to open the hook, wipe over the arms and press them downwardly.

3. A tool for constricting and then locking a band clamp which has near one end an opening defining side 6 arms and a terminal crossbar joining those arms and at the other end a tongue to pass through said opening and, after constriction of the band, to be bent down over the crossbar and further having an abutment located rearwardly of the tongue; said tool having relatively movable head members, the first having distally thereof a jaw for engaging said abutment, the second head member being bifurcated and having spaced rocker plates pivoted to the arms ofthe bifurcations respectively, means being provided for delimiting the rocking range of the plates, the edges of the plates having inwardly presented gripping surfaces substantially concentric with the pivots for application to the side arms of the band, the edge portions being extended distally and eccentrically from said surfaces, and a crossbar connecting the distal portions of the plates, there being a space between the plates proximal to the crossbar being unobstructed to permit the tongue to pass freely proximally of the crossbar to enter above the crossbar when said gripping surfaces are applied to the arms.

4. A tool as set forth in claim 3 wherein the edges of the plates have abrupt inwardly extending shoulders at the sides of the gripping surfaces opposite the distally and eccentrically extended portions.

5. A tool as set forth in claim 3 wherein the first head member has a projecting part which as it draws close to the second head member engages at least one of the rocker plates proximally of the pivot to move the cross bar between them distally and inwardly.

References Cited in the file of this patent .UNITED STATES PATENTS 

